And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold

In true Nicola Penfold style, And Now We Run is an incredibly powerful story of self-belief, resilience and our responsibility for the environment. Told through three perspectives, what begins as a reflection on friendship and identity during the challenging primary to secondary school transition quickly transforms into a call for conservation, land management and respect for the earth.

A Year 7 class is heading to their residential at Debden Vale in West Yorkshire. Promised a week of canoeing, caving, abseiling and ziplining, they’re disappointed when heavy rain forces the  activities to be cancelled, leaving them stuck indoors. After visiting the local museum, they’re fascinated by stories of Kemble Village, which was sold on compulsory purchase years ago and flooded to create the reservoir.

Overhead, a red kite offers readers a bird’s eye view of the landscape, the children and the warnings of what is to come. Wild and free, it celebrates the beauty of the natural world while quietly highlighting the impact of human activity below.

Jelly is nervous. Since starting secondary school, her friendship with Mikala has changed, and  Mikala seems to go out of her way to embarrass Jelly at every opportunity. Perhaps this residential is her chance to discover who she is without Mikala – if only she can find the confidence to make new friends.

Lincoln has never really fit in at school. He doesn’t have the right gear for the trip and his mum’s mental health makes him the target of constant bullying. Despite this, he loves being out in the wilderness. His older brother used to bring him here to escape difficulties at home and the familiar landscape is comforting.

Drawn by the mystery of the reservoir, Jelly and Lincoln become separated from the group. By the time they return to camp, everyone has gone. With flood waters rising, they are faced with an unthinkable challenge. Together, they discover courage, resilience and a growing belief in themselves.

With short, pacey chapters, relatable characters, and a harrowing adventure, And Now We Run is an ideal read for Year 6 pupils and those beginning Year 7. Readers navigating their own sense of belonging will feel seen and understood. Themes of climate change, stewardship of the land and humanity’s place within nature will challenge readers to consider the impact of their actions and the overwhelming power of nature, prompting thoughtful discussion and inspiring change.

Thank you to Jasmin Lindenmeir and Little Tiger Books for a copy of this fantastic book!

Read other stories with simlar themes:

When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

The Tale of Truthwater Lake by Emma Carroll

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